Chapter 40
Chapter 40
Astrid’s POV
Shadow drove with a focused intensity, her hands gripping the steering wheel, her eyes scanning the road ahead. I sat beside her, my body numb with exhaustion, my mind still struggling to process everything that had happened.
We pulled up to a small, private airfield, the kind used by wealthy individuals and corporations. A sleek, jet-black plane sat waiting on the tarmac, its engines humming softly, a beacon of hope in the darkness.
The plane was a marvel of modern engineering, its exterior gleaming under the floodlights. It was a private jet, smaller than a commercial airliner, but luxurious in every detail. I could see plush leather seats through the tinted windows, gleaming mahogany paneling, and a fully stocked bar. It was the kind of plane you saw in movies, the kind that belonged to millionaires and movie stars.
Shadow turned to me, a warm smile gracing her lips. She reached out and squeezed my hand, her touch surprisingly gentle.
"He’s waiting for you," she said, her voice soft but firm. "Go. He’s been worried sick."
My heart skipped a beat. He. Kaeleen. The thought of seeing him again, of finally being in his arms, sent a jolt of electricity through my veins.
I took a deep breath, trying to compose myself. I didn’t want to fall apart, not now. I had to be strong, for him, for myself.
I climbed out of the car, my legs feeling shaky beneath me. Shadow gave me a nod, a silent encouragement, and I turned towards the plane.
The steps leading up to the entrance seemed to stretch on forever. Each step was a hurdle, a reminder of everything I had been through, everything I had lost.